oregon department of forestry

Under a recently proposed bill, the federal government would prioritize use of mass timber in construction.  Senators from Oregon and Idaho are leading the bipartisan effort to pass the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act.  The bill would make it a preference to use mass timber in federal construction projects.   Mass timbe...

Oregon’s Department of Forestry takes another step this week in its fight against the Emerald Ash Borer, better known as EAB.   “It’s coming.  All we can do is employ various tools that we have to slow it down,” noted EAB Specialist Matt Mills.  He said the tiny bug can decimate en...

Republicans in Oregon’s Legislature are calling for the Wildfire Hazard Map, which shows properties in the state at high risk of wildfire, to be repealed.  House Minority Leader Christine Drazan said rural residents feel targeted.   "Orego...

New versions of the Oregon Wildfire Hazard Maps are now out.  The state is assembling these to help property owners learn their risk of wildfire.  The maps show nearly two-million property tax lots in the state and how they rate for wildfire risk.   "It's to a...

On Tuesday, Governor Tina Kotek called a special session of the Oregon Legislature.  Slated to start Thursday December 12th, the session will allow lawmakers to appropriate funds to pay for the historic 2024 wildfire season.  A record 1.9 million acres bur...

The Oregon Department of Forest has a new program to increase prescribed and cultural burns.  Some private land owners are reluctant to have controlled burns, because of the risk they could get out of control and the owners would be responsible for the costs.  Jessica...

This has been a record setting year for wildfires in Oregon, and fire officials say it's the new norm.  Kyle Williams, director of forest protection for the Oregon Department of Forestry, said he thought this was going to be an average year for wildfires, until the heat wave.   ...

Given Oregon’s multiple years of drought, trees on your property likely need human intervention to get through the summer.   “Deep soaking once a month for established trees helps get them over that increasingly long period of drought.”   Jim Ge...

Oregon Department of Forestry officials have lowered the fire danger in the northeast corner of the state from Extreme to High.  While weather conditions have moderated, fire managers say forest fuels remain critically dry and public use restrictions are still in place.  In Cent...

Oregon could be in for extended summer weather, if Department of Forestry predictions hold true.  ODF Meteorologist Pete Parsons said much of Oregon will see average temperatures next month.   “About a half a degree above normal to a degree and a half above normal for around the state is the forecast for September. Precipitation: We’r...